Jelena Starcevic, LLM Secretary of the Commitee for Information and Recognition of Foreign Higher Education Diplomas Strengthening of Internationalization in BH Higher Education/STINT Roles and Expectations
Republic of Srpska signed the Bologna declaration and ratified the Lisbon Convention in 2003 The Bologna reform of higher education was started in 2006 by adopting the Law оn Higher Education The formal recognition of foreign HE qualification according to the Lisbon Convention started in 2007 Positive law: Law оn Higher Education in 2010 (amended in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015)
Ministry of Education and Culture is responsible for: Coordination and development of higher education in the Republic (including internationalization) Creation of admission policies consistent with the objectives of higher education and labor market needs Procedures of professional recognition of foreign HE qualifications Procedures of licencing of HEI in the Republic, Promotion of the integration of teaching and research and the stimulation of research programs at universities and colleges, Monitor, inspect…. ……
In Republic of Srpska there is so-called binar system of HE: Academic and professional (vocational) studies organized on 9 universities and 14 colleges Colleges offers first level of HE (Bachelor degree) on academic/professional study programs. Universities оffers three levels of HE (Bachelor/Master/PhD) of study programs.
System of Recognition of Foreign HE Qualification consists of: Professional Recognition (for purpose of employment and other professional purposes) Responsible authority: Commitee for Information and Recognition of Foreign HE Qualification (permanent body in ME) Academic Recognition (for purpose of continuation of higher education on graduate or postgraduate study programs) Responsible authority: Higher Education Institutions
Ministry made a research about the implementation of Lisbon Convention in RS. The conclusion is that, proffesional recognition is fully alligned with the LC but in process of academic recognition, ddespite the obligation to implement the LC some HEI continue to perform „nostrification“ instead of formal recognition. THIS IS WHERE MINISTRY EXPECT THE GREATEST CONTRIBUTION OF STINT PROJECT!
What STINT project can expect from us is to: Give full support to all project activities through participation of our representers at workshops, seminars, meetings, drafting handbooks.... Promote project activities and results through public and private sector in HE Help overcome difficulties and obstacles in public administration procedures for successfully implementation of project activities Share the knowledge and experience through training of academic staff by our recognition experts
What we expect from the project is to: Improve the internationalization of HEI in RS through better academic mobility and connection with the HEI and other scientific institutions from region and EHEA Promote the concept of Lisbon Convention through all stakeholders (HEI, professors, students, employers, republic authorities) Training of administrative and academic staff at HEI for the professional performance and participation in the processes of academic recognition Improving offices for internationalization at HEI.